Creamy Chicken Stuffed Peppers
Creamy chicken stuffed peppers combine tender shredded chicken, velvety cream cheese, melted cheddar or mozzarella, and perfectly roasted bell peppers to create a hearty, colorful, and comforting meal. Easy to prepare and full of wholesome ingredients, this dish offers a balanced combination of protein and vegetables, making it a versatile favorite for weeknight dinners or anytime treats.
- Author: Nora
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 35 minutes
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Vegetables
- 4 large bell peppers (red, yellow, or green)
- 1 medium onion, diced
- 2–3 garlic cloves, minced
Protein
- 2 cups cooked shredded chicken breast or thighs
Dairy
- 4 oz (115g) cream cheese, softened
- 1 cup shredded cheddar or mozzarella cheese
Grains
- 1 cup cooked rice or quinoa
Herbs and Spices
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp Italian herb mix (dried basil, oregano, thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional Variations
- Diced jalapeños or red pepper flakes (for spice)
- Cauliflower rice (low-carb rice substitute)
- Mushrooms, spinach, zucchini (additional vegetables)
- Plant-based cream cheese and shredded cheese alternatives (dairy-free option)
- Fresh herbs like cilantro, basil, or parsley for garnish or filling variations
- Prepare the bell peppers: Cut the tops off the bell peppers and remove all seeds and membranes. Rinse the peppers and set aside to dry.
- Cook the chicken and vegetables: In a skillet, sauté diced onion and minced garlic over medium heat until fragrant and translucent. Add the cooked shredded chicken to the pan and stir to combine, allowing the flavors to blend.
- Make the creamy filling: In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, shredded cheese, cooked rice or quinoa, and the chicken-onion-garlic mixture. Season with paprika, Italian herbs, salt, and pepper. Stir well until fully combined and creamy.
- Stuff and bake the peppers: Spoon the creamy chicken filling into the prepared bell peppers, gently pressing to fill them evenly. Place the stuffed peppers upright in a baking dish, cover loosely with foil, and bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25-30 minutes, until the peppers are tender and the filling is heated through.
- Optional finishing touches: Remove the foil, sprinkle extra shredded cheese on top if desired, and bake uncovered for an additional 5-10 minutes until the cheese is golden and bubbly.
Notes
- Choose firm bell peppers that stand upright to prevent filling from spilling during baking.
- Use already cooked rice or quinoa to ensure a creamy filling without excess moisture.
- Leave some space at the top of each pepper when stuffing to avoid overflow while baking.
- Use room temperature cream cheese for easier blending and a silkier filling texture.
- Check for doneness by piercing peppers with a fork after 25 minutes; peppers should be tender but not mushy.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed pepper
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 5 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 15 g
- Saturated Fat: 8 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 22 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 26 g
- Cholesterol: 85 mg
Keywords: creamy chicken stuffed peppers, stuffed bell peppers, chicken dinner, comfort food, easy weeknight meal, gluten free, chicken recipe, stuffed peppers